Eating out: pub grub with an elegant twist

Gillian Loney

I AM a seafood addict. There, I said it. So it was with great delight that I perused the fish-filled menu at Fleming’s.

The Newton Mearns bar and grill celebrated an anniversary this month, marking one year of entertainment, cocktail masterclasses and feeding flocks of East Ren foodies.

Having browsed the menu before I arrived, my heart was set on a signature cullen skink — but, with the temperature outside at a tropical (by Glasgow standards at least) 20 degrees, I was forced to rethink.

Instead, I opted for Asian-style fishcakes; patties of prawn, salmon and crab with sweet chilli and soy dip. I could happily have scoffed more of the delicate little parcels — but, more courses awaited.

The other half opted for a goat’s cheese salad and commented that there wasn’t a lot of cheese — but that the dressing more than made up for it.

He ignored the steaks and burgers aplenty for his one seafood staple next; fish and chips. The beer battered haddock didn’t disappoint, with a flavoursome, crisp coating straight out of the fryer and a rich, tangy tartare sauce and mushy peas on the side.

I almost felt the pangs of food envy, until I tucked into my moules frites; plump, succulent mussels in white wine, garlic and cream, served with a side of fries and a small slab of bread (my only criticism being that I could have done with more to mop up that gorgeous sauce).

We finished with a chocolate and raspberry tart and white chocolate and passionfruit cheesecake.

Both were delicious — each rich and sweet with a hint of sour from the fruit — but the tart took the lead for me .

Fleming’s was packed even on a Monday evening, with a very reasonable £10.95, two course pre-theatre menu (featuring both our starters and mains) proving popular.

It’s clear that Fleming’s has found a captive audience in its first year in Newton Mearns — and it seems that it’s onwards and upwards to the second birthday bash.